Oxford United boss Ian Atkins predicted big things for striker Steve Basham after his two goals maintained the U's 100 per cent start to the season.
Basham struck in the 23rd and 28th minutes to finish off two flowing Oxford moves to make it a personal tally of four goals in the first three games of the season.
Despite the sending-off of big striker Julian Alsop in the 66th minute for a second booking, Oxford withstood a flurry of late Hull pressure to grab the points.
Former Southampton and Preston striker Basham was out off contract in the summer, but Atkins was keen to retain his services and his decision already looked a good one.
"I am confident that this will be Steve Basham's year," Atkins said.
"A lot of people did not want him at the football club this year, but I have stuck by him and he fully deserves all the headlines he is getting." Basham put Oxford ahead against the run of play when he latched on to Alsop's intelligent header across goal to net from close range, and the same player doubled the lead with a superb header from Matt Robinson's deep cross five minutes later.
Jason Price went close to reducing the deficit when his right foot shot bought a fine diving save from Oxford keeper Andy Woodman.
And Danny Allsopp went even closer when his header hit the bar and bounced over.
Oxford looked comfortable in the second period, but the match turned on its head when Alsop saw red after going in heavily on Hull keeper Paul Musselwhite.
The visitors laid siege to the Oxford goal and gave themselves hope when Allsopp slotted home from 16 yards after good work from Jamie Forrester.
But the home side held firm to make it two wins from two and send their fans home happy.